Desktop/monitor combination

ABSTRACT

Desktop/monitor combination which can be connected to a frame. The desktop ( 4 ) is provided with a recess ( 5 ) for accommodating the monitor. The monitor ( 2 ) can be moved between an inactive position in which the side which is turned away from the monitor acts as a desktop part accommodated in the desktop and an operative position in which it is moved upwards, out of said desktop. In this case, an auxiliary desktop part ( 14 ) is provided which fills the resulting opening. The monitor is connected to the desktop by means of pivot arms ( 7 ) which, on the one hand, engage with the monitor and, on the other hand, are hingedly connected to the rear side of the desktop.

The present invention relates to a desktop/monitor combination according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a combination is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,919 B1, in which a monitor is recessed into a desktop by means of an opening which is provided therein. By means of a pivot mechanism, the monitor can be moved out of said opening and be directed more to the user. In the first position, the monitor is flush with the surrounding part, that is to say the desktop, and in the second position, there is a free space between the lower front edge of the monitor and the part of the opening which is close to the user. In use, objects may fall in to this opening, such as pens, which are easily overlooked when the monitor is returned to the first position again. This may result in damage to the mechanism when the monitor is brought from the second position into the first position if objects become trapped between the lower edge of the monitor and the boundary of the recess.

It is an object of the present invention to prevent this drawback.

This object is achieved by a desktop or worksurface monitor combination which has the features of claim 1.

According to the present invention, an auxiliary desktop part or leaf part is present which is also displaceable and is embodied to fill the free space in the recess when the monitor is brought to the second position. According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, this auxiliary desktop part is embodied such that it is flush with the surroundings in the second position thereof so that it is immediately obvious if objects are present thereon which can be removed when the monitor is returned to its first position. Due to the presence of the auxiliary desktop part, it is possible to use this part also for writing on or for performing other tasks without the user's hand falling into the opening.

The displacement mechanism of the auxiliary desktop part may be embodied in any conceivable way.

In one embodiment, this auxiliary desktop can be moved vertically up and down in the opening, so that, when the monitor is removed from the recess, the space which is created thereby is immediately filled with the auxiliary desktop. This can be effected in an advantageous manner by means of a mechanical coupling between the pivot means for the monitor and the auxiliary desktop. In this case, it is inter alia possible to use springs in order to assist the rising movement of the auxiliary top. Obviously, it is also possible to use springs in the other parts of the construction, for example for pivoting open the monitor, and it is possible to use friction elements or locks to fix the various positions. In a further embodiment, the auxiliary top makes a sloping movement. According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, such a sloping movement is an arcuate movement. According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary desktop is connected to pivot arms near its ends, which pivot arms, at their other end, follow a path which is in the shape of an arc of a circle when they pivot about their respective axles according to which the auxiliary desktop can be moved from the first position to the second position thereof. These pivot arms can be coupled to one another.

In addition, locks, auxiliary springs and the like can be used in order to stabilize the second position of the auxiliary desktop part, so that significant pressure can be exerted thereon in use by the hand of the user without the auxiliary desktop part returning to the first position.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the monitor is embodied to comprise at least parts of a computer or the entire computer. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the second end of the pivot arm is connected to an operating part associated with the monitor which extends across the width of said monitor. An example of such an operating part is a detachable battery, as a result of which power can readily be supplied to the combination without electrical connections being present in the surroundings. Obviously, it is also possible to provide power in a different way. Thus, it is possible to use a computer which uses very little power, so that a single cable can be used to provide both the data connection and the power supply. Of course, it is also possible to handle the data traffic in a wireless manner. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the operating part is provided with power-generating means, such as solar collectors. In addition, it is possible to use any kind of combination. It is likewise possible to embody the monitor as a complete computer. In addition, the monitor may be provided with various kinds of connections, for example for a headset, microphone (for example using a combination plug), webcam, touch screen. In addition, a mouse and/or keyboard may be present or incorporated in the desktop.

With the present invention, the connection between the monitor and the surrounding parts, such as a top, consists of a pivot arm.

Using one or more pivot arms which extend between the monitor and the desktop makes it possible to optimize the viewing angle, viewing height and viewing distance for the user.

Where this description refers to top/bottom, front/back, height or width, this refers to the normal position of use.

With the present invention, the tilting movement of the monitor is separated from the tilting movement with respect to the desktop. That is to say, the monitor can be tilted freely with respect to the pivot arm or pivot arms, while this pivot arm or these pivot arms can in turn be tilted freely with respect to the desktop. As a result thereof, it is possible to achieve an optimum position of the monitor with respect to the user in all circumstances.

It is possible to choose the position of the pivot point of the pivot arm in the top at any location. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rear side of the top is used for this purpose. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the distance between the pivot pins of the pivot arm is chosen such that it is at least half the height of the monitor in order to achieve optimum tilting options.

Basically, it is possible to install a pivot arm on only one side of the monitor. However, a relatively lightweight construction can be achieved if such a pivot arm is provided on both sides.

If wiring is used, it is not possible to make the monitor rotate without restriction with respect to the pivot arms. It has been found that with a minimum rotation of 45° of the monitor with respect to the pivot arms and a minimum displacement of the pivot arms of 70° with respect to the desktop, any desired position of the monitor can be set for the user.

According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the length of the pivot arm or pivot arms with respect to the monitor and the possible wiring is chosen such that the monitor can be moved from the first position to a third position via the second position. This third position is substantially flush with the surroundings, that is to say, for example, the surrounding desktop or worksurface, but exactly the reverse of the first position. If, for example, the display of the monitor is directed downwards in the first position, this will be directed upwards in the third position. This third position may be important if “writing activities” or other activities are carried out on the monitor.

The rear side of the monitor is preferably embodied to act as a desktop part when the monitor is folded away. In this case, the rear sides of the pivot arms and the optional operating part are also embodied to form part of the desktop in the folded-away position of the monitor.

The present invention also relates to a desk table consisting of a support and the above-described combination. Preferably, this combination can easily be detached from the frame, so that it is readily possible to separate the desktop and monitor from the support and use them elsewhere. Obviously, the various parts can be bought separately and be assembled subsequently. In addition, it is possible to produce the construction on the basis of an existing table top.

The above-described top or worksurface can comprise any conceivable construction. Thus, it is possible for this to be a flat part, for example the desktop or leaf of an existing desk table or another work surface or frame (such as a folding table). According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the top comprises a peripheral frame. This results in a unit consisting of a peripheral frame and the above-described monitor/pivot construction. This can be fitted in any kind of work surface by providing a suitable opening therein. In this case, for example, consideration is given to (conference) tables in which one or more of such units can be incorporated. The various parts can then be bought separately and be assembled later. In addition, it is possible to produce the construction on the basis of an existing table top.

By means of the present invention, it is possible to move the display or monitor between two positions which are 180 degrees apart, that is to say a position in which the rear side of the monitor is the top of the work surface and a position in which the “image side” of the monitor appears turned upwards in the work surface. A plurality of intermediate positions are possible, in which case the auxiliary desktop covers the opening created by the monitor being removed from the desktop, and can be loaded vertically for writing or other activities. This means that the user always has a complete flat top at his disposal and, if desired, a monitor can be used which can assume various positions.

The combination and, more particularly, the monitor or the operating part may be provided with a connection, such as a docking station, for further equipment.

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 a diagrammatically shows a perspective view of the combination according to the invention in the folded-away position of the monitor, and

FIG. 1 b shows a cross-sectional side view of that which has been shown in FIG. 1 a;

FIGS. 2 a and b show that which has been shown in FIG. 1 when the monitor is first moved out of the desktop;

FIGS. 3 a and b show the position when the monitor is being moved out of the desktop further;

FIGS. 4 a and b show a first end position of the monitor;

FIG. 5 shows a second end position of the monitor;

FIGS. 6 a-h show a further variant of the invention in different positions; and

FIG. 7 shows a further variant of the invention.

In the figures, a desk table is denoted by reference numeral 1. It consists of a frame 2 and a desktop assembly 3 which is fitted thereto. In another manner (not shown), the desktop assembly 3 can be secured to the frame in a simple manner and removed therefrom, so that the desktop assembly can be attached to other frames and can be moved in a simple manner.

However, it is also possible to produce a connection between the desktop assembly and the frame which is very difficult to release so that it is not possible to move the desktop assembly without the frame. All this depends on the intended use.

The desktop assembly 3 comprises a desktop 4 which is provided with an opening or recess 5. In the situation shown in FIG. 1, this opening contains a desktop part 6 which forms the rear side of a monitor 9 to be described below. In addition, the opening 5 is filled by the rear side of two pivot arms 7 and the rear side of an operating part 8 which comprises, for example, a detachable battery.

FIG. 1 b shows the position of the various parts in cross-sectional side view and an explanation thereof will be given with reference to the other figures.

Unlocking means are provided in any suitable way, such as the buttons 15 illustrated diagrammatically here. By operating these and due to the presence of a spring construction, the desktop part 6 is moved up slightly, as can be seen in FIG. 2 a. FIG. 2 b shows that the first end 10 of pivot arm 7 is connected to the monitor 9 so as to be pivotable about pivot pin 12 with the rear side of the monitor 9 forming top part 6. The other end of pivot arm 7 is denoted by reference numeral 11 and is connected to the rear side of the desktop 4 so as to be pivotable about pivot pin 13. Pivot arms 7 are provided on both sides of the monitor 9 and are coupled near the desktop 4 via an operating part 8, which may contain a battery or part of the computer. By means of, for example, a torsion spring or coil spring, the monitor 9 is moved upwards starting from the position illustrated in FIG. 1 after the monitor 9 has been unlocked. To this end, such a torsion spring may act on pivot pin 13.

As can be seen in the figures, an auxiliary top part 14 is also present. This can move up and down in the direction of arrow 17 via an inclined guide 16. The operation can be effected in any conceivable way, either solely driven by a spring or by positive mechanical coupling.

While the monitor is gradually moving upwards, as is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the user can take the monitor and place it in the desired position. Two of such desired end positions are illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. This shows that there are many possible positions. In this case, the opening 5 is closed off by the auxiliary desktop part 14 which is flush with the desktop 4. In this position, the auxiliary desktop part 14 can be loaded (vertically) without it moving. By using one or two pivot arms 7, any position desired by the user can be achieved. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance between the pivot pins 12 and 13 is denoted by .a and is preferably at least half the height h of the monitor.

Of course, further operating means, such as a mouse, keyboard and the like may be present. However, it is also possible to use a touch screen. If the computer becomes obsolete after a number of years, it can be replaced by another one in a simple manner while the rest of the desktop assembly can remain unchanged.

The above-described construction offers many possibilities of optimizing the use of a monitor. By varying the length of the arms and the position of the pivot pin 12, it is possible to optimize the use of the monitor.

FIG. 6 shows a variant of the present invention. The parts which are identical to the parts which have been shown in the preceding figures are provided with the same reference numerals. The embodiment of the operating part 28 varies slightly from the embodiment according to the preceding figures but this does not affect the operation of the construction. The arms are denoted by reference numeral 27 and the auxiliary desktop is denoted overall by reference numeral 34. FIG. 6 b shows the folded-away position of the monitor in cross-sectional view, as indicated in FIG. 6 a. As can be seen, two pivot arms 41 and 44 are present which pivot about axles 42 and 43. On the end of each of these pivot arms 41 and 44, a pin 45 is provided which is connected to the auxiliary desktop part 34 and which moves into slots 48 and 49 when the pivot arms 41 and 44 rotate about the axles 43 and 42, respectively. This results in a substantially parallel movement of the ends of the auxiliary top part 34 from the low position illustrated in FIG. 6 b to the high position illustrated in FIG. 6 f and FIG. 6 g. In this case, it is possible to connect the pivot arms to one another at the ends remote from the pivot pins by means of a coupling rod or the like, thus producing an accurately controlled movement of the auxiliary top part.

Of the two pivot arms 41 and 44, pivot arm 44 is driven in a positive manner by means of a lever 50 which is pivotably connected thereto. This lever 50 consists of lever parts 51 and 52, with lever part 52 being provided with a hinge 53 for connecting to desktop 4 while a hinge 54 acts between the lever parts 51 and 52. The monitor or the arm 27 is provided with a projection 55 which is configured as a rod and against which the lever part 52 is pulled on account of a tension spring 56. FIGS. 6 b, 6 d and 6 f show the course of the pivot arm 44 and the other figures show the displacement of the auxiliary top part 34. Only when arms 27 are at a small angle (e.g. of less than 30°) with respect to the horizontal, the auxiliary desktop part 34 is moved so that a vertical load can be applied to the auxiliary desktop part 34 in the position from FIG. 6 g as well.

FIG. 6 h shows the monitor in a flat position and directed upwards. In this position, the display surface of the monitor is directed upwards.

FIG. 7 shows a further variant of the invention. A table-like structure is denoted by reference numeral 54 and a number of units 56 is present therein. Each unit consists of the above-described monitor 9 with pivot arms 7 and an operating part 8. The auxiliary desktop part (not shown) is also present in the unit 56. In contrast with the above-described embodiment, the relevant parts are not attached directly to the desktop, but an auxiliary frame 58 is provided to which the various parts are attached. This produces a unit and the auxiliary frame 58 acts as a top and can be secured in any conceivable way in an opening 60 of the work surface 59 of the table-like structure 54.

Upon reading the above description, those skilled in the art will be able to think of many variants which are covered by the scope of the attached claims. 

1.-14. (canceled)
 15. Leaf/monitor combination, comprising: a desktop (4) and a monitor (9), in which the desktop (4) is provided with a recess (5) for receiving said monitor and said desktop, and said monitor is provided with connecting pivot mechanism, said pivot mechanism comprising a pivot arm (7, 27) with a first end (10) of said arm being pivotably connected to said monitor and an opposite second end (11) being pivotably connected to the desktop, wherein pivot pins (12, 13) of said pivot arm extend substantially at right angles to said pivot arm (7, 27), wherein said monitor displaceable with respect to said desktop between a first position which is flush with said desktop and a second position which protrudes from said desktop, characterized in that a displaceable auxiliary desktop part (14, 34) is provided, which can be moved from a first position to a second position and which, in the second position, fills the free space of said recess between said monitor and said desktop in said second position of said monitor.
 16. The combination according to claim 15, wherein said auxiliary desktop part (14, 34) is vertically displaceable with respect to said recess.
 17. The combination according to claim 15, wherein there is a mechanical coupling between said pivot arm and said auxiliary desktop part, such that when the monitor is situated in the recess, the auxiliary desktop part is situated in a first, lower position and when the monitor is moved out of the desktop, the auxiliary desktop part is situated in a second, high position.
 18. The combination according to claim 15, wherein said second position of said auxiliary desktop part is flush with the top of said desktop (4).
 19. The combination according to claim 15, wherein the distance (a) between the pivot pins (12, 13) is at least half the height (h) of the monitor.
 20. The combination according to claim 15, wherein said pivot arm (7, 27) is provided on either side of the monitor (9).
 21. The combination according to claim 15, wherein the second end (11) of said pivot arm (7, 27) is connected to an operating part (8, 28) which is associated with the monitor and extends across the width of the monitor.
 22. The combination according to claim 20, wherein said operating part comprises a detachable battery.
 23. The combination according to claim 15, wherein said monitor can be rotated at least 45° with respect to said pivot arm and said pivot arm can be rotated at least 70° with respect to said desktop (4).
 24. The combination according to claim 22, wherein said monitor can be displaced 180° from said first position in which a first side of said monitor is directed upwards, to a third position flush with said desktop, in which said first side is directed downwards.
 25. The combination according to claim 15, wherein the rear side of said monitor is configured as a desktop (6).
 26. The combination according to claim 15, wherein said desktop comprises a peripheral frame.
 27. Desk table (11) comprising a combination according to claim 15 and a frame (2) which can be connected thereto.
 28. Work surface comprising an opening provided therein and the combination according to claim 25, in which said peripheral frame is secured in said opening. 